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How to make the most of your time at university

Student Life

 

For the majority of students, starting university means moving away from home for the first time. Although daunting, this marks the start of a really exciting time, offering countless opportunities to meet new friends, learn about yourself and discover how to live independently.

 

To make sure you get the most out of your time at university, we’ve pulled together some top tips, along with real student experiences to inspire you.

 

Make new friends

Maximise every opportunity to make new friends. You’re going to be spending a lot of time living and studying with new people offering plenty of chances to build lasting friendships. Stay true to yourself and you’ll find people to connect with and become lifelong friends.

Northumbria University’s accommodation is a fantastic place to meet new friends.

First year Psychology student, Oliver Barnett, is living in the University’s Glenamara House. He said: “It is a really sociable place to live and has a great student party vibe. I live in a big flat with seven other people. Now we are really close friends.”

 

Join the societies – you never know where it will lead

University offers a unique chance to join a huge variety of clubs and societies where you can meet and socialise with people with the same interests and passions as you.

There’s no limit to the number of societies you can join and Northumbria University offers everything from making cocktails to debating and even the Harry Potter Society!

27-year-old Amy Hills is studying Midwifery and is now set to become a social media manager for the Midwifery Society. She said: “I joined the Midwifery Society straight away and it has really helped to chat to second and third year students online.”

 

Reach out for support if you need it

Northumbria has a wide range of student services on campus from careers advice to study help and mental health and wellbeing support.

Whatever you need, we’re here for you 24/7 so don’t be afraid to make full use of the services on offer.

20-year-old Charlotte Harwood is currently studying Law LLB. She said: “I have a mental health disability but because of disabled students’ support, I now have the assistance I need through the provision of a laptop, recording device for lectures, 180 hours’ worth of sessions with someone to help keep me on track and extensions if I need them.”

 

Study hard – it’ll pay off!

Make sure you attend all of your lectures and seminars to get the most out of your university degree. Putting extra effort into your studies will reap rewards in your final marks.

Keely French said: “I’m studying Sports Coaching and it is 100% the right course for me. I’m learning so much about coaching and sports science. I love that there’s a mixture of study and practicals, and I think the sporting facilities on campus are excellent.”

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